Date night with Max

Max and I went on a date tonight. My spunky nine year old is so funny, and I don’t mean in a telling jokes sort of way. Earlier today I told Benny I was going to see Transformers, and he suggested I take Max with me. I almost said no because it was my kid-free day (I need those every now and then) and he had already seen the movie with Benny. It didn’t make sense to me to pay for him to see it again. Then I remembered that he had been asking me when we were going to have a Mommy-Max date again. It had been awhile, so I changed my mind.

When I pulled into the driveway to pick him up, he hopped into the van before I had come to a complete stop. He was all smiles and had put on his nicest clothes for our date, and he chatted the whole way to the theater. I lost track of how many times he said, “You’re going to love this Mommy!” If you know me, then you know my son. Max has his mother’s worst and best traits, which sometimes drives me crazy. He takes “detail oriented” to a whole new level! Max told me that we needed to sit in the exact same seats he and his Popa had occupied a few days earlier. (Insert rolling eyes here!) He explained where the speakers were in relation to our seats so we’d have the best sound possible. He told me what previews were coming up next, and he pointed out that I needed to turn off my cell phone – bossy little thing.

We loved the movie, and had a good time comparing notes while walking back to the van. Tonight I watched my son in amazement. He soaks everything in and categorizes it by whatever system is clicking away in his brain. He’s smart and articulate, kind hearted, and friendly. He smiles at strangers and holds doors for people. He notices details that I miss, then launches into talking about the weather. Tomorrow he’ll wake up and check ebay for Transformers stuff and draw Autobots all over the place. He’s such a predictable kid, and he’s so…well…good. I must be doing something right.

Post-Conference List

The writer’s conference exceeded my expectations and then some! I was able to serve by doing what I do best…organizing people. Here’s my list of the top ten things I’ve done regarding the conference:

1. Attended several workshops and took 22 pages of notes.
2. Encouraged and teased a few of the agents and publishers. They’re real people too.
3. Prayed with and for some hurting folks.
4. Connected with some new friends in the Denver area.
5. Had a blast with Jan, Kathy, Paula, and Kristi, some of my best friends in the writing world AND in the world where normal people live.
6. Returned home with several story ideas for books and articles, which I’ll be writing during my vast amounts of spare time this summer. HA! I’ll be lucky to pick up a pen between June and August.
7. Was completely convicted about my blogging habits, so I’ve begun redesigning this blog to fit my style and personality better, and I’m working towards a more user friendly, streamlined site. Bear with me.
8. Decided that the next year will be my time to dig deep and find my writing voice while I’m learning the craft. I’m starting with Terry Whalin’s must read book, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. Thank You Terry! I’ve already begun reading with my highlighter in hand.
9. Paid attention to what topics kept rising to the surface when asked what I’m passionate about and what I write.
10. Began making plans for what I’m going to be pitching to the pros next year.

If you’re a writer and you’ve never been to a conference, it’s time to find one and GO! Get those fingers typing into the Google search bar for conferences in your area. Right now. Make it happen. You’ll thank me later. And go buy Terry’s book!

Preparing for my first writer’s conference

After writing about my fears in my last post, I decided to turned my apprehension into appreciation and knowledge.  I feel better already! After a little research combined with my past experience (and a need to post on my writer’s group blog – The Inkwell), I penned the following post this evening. These tips can be tweaked to fit any type of conference.

In two short weeks, the 12th annual Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference is being held at the YMCA of the Rockies, in beautiful Estes Park. Although I am a conference veteran from my youth ministry days, this will be my first one devoted to the craft of writing. As the newest ACFW member that blogs here, I’m going to assume that other newbie writers might need some conference preparation tips too. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experiences, lessons taught at the writer’s groups I’m in, friendly advice, and a few helpful websites:

BEFORE

PLAN AHEAD

1. Study the Conference Brochure. Identify What you most need to learn, then choose workshops that provide it. Learn something new.

2. Know who the faculty are. There will be professional writers, mentors, Agents, and Editors there. If you happen to sit next to one of them at a meal, or land a coveted appointment with one of them, it would be nice if you knew their name.

3. Find out what is required to make appointments with your chosen professional, and make your requests early. Prepare a list of questions to ask editors, agents, and/or writers -things you want answered before you return home.

4. Create a 30 second pitch for your book/article/screenplay idea and practice it. Try writing your idea in 20 words or less. Your time will be limited during your meeting, and you’ll be prepared to answer the most popular question of your conference stay, “What do you write?”

5. Prepare professional looking proposals, one sheets, and queries, and have copies available if an agent or editor requests them.

PACK

1. Comfortable clothing and shoes – the level of professional attire depends on the standards of the conference you’re attending. Dress in layers for varying room temperatures. Check the weather ahead of time and bring an umbrella, snow boots, or whatever else is needed for your trip.

2. A sturdy tote bag to hold the following:

• Laptop and/or paper and pens – you decide what works for you.
• Business Cards – make sure ALL of your information is current.
• Bible & Journal
• Thank you notes for follow up after your appointments
• Water Bottle, mints, and snacks
• Camera
• Money for the conference book store. You know you’ll want to buy stuff!
• An extra tote or room in your suitcase for the stuff you buy.
• Labeled folders, manila envelopes, or even an expandable file. Possible labels might include:

1. Contacts – To hold business cards/brochures of people you meet.
2. Expenses – Receipts for tax deductions like meal expenses, transportation, CD’s or books to improve your craft, etc.
3. Proposals, Queries, One Sheets – self explanatory, and it looks good when you’re organized.
4. Workshop Notes/Handouts – Even for those you don’t attend so you’ll have them if you buy the CD or mp3.

A little organization before you leave will save you lots of time and hassle while you’re there AND after you return home!

DURING

1. Prepare for little sleep, your creative energy will be high, but pace yourself. Unplug if you need some quiet time to reflect and relax, or just need to escape for a nap.

2. Don’t be shy. Meet as many people as possible and ask questions. Everyone has something to share and there will be those who are new or attending alone and they’re feeling awkward too. Practice active listening and don’t monopolize the conversation, but speak up when it is your turn to do so. Remember that you have something to share too.

3. Talk to the professionals. They are there to help you grow as a writer. Ask your questions and write down any thoughts or ideas they share that you might forget.

4. Remember to collect and file business cards, handouts, receipts, etc. These will be very important to you after the conference ends.

AFTER

1. Give yourself a few days/week to regroup. You may find yourself in “conference overload” and need time to process all that you learned. Keep your notes and ideas handy!

2. Send thank you notes to the people you had appointments with, your roommates, and anyone else you need to acknowledge that made your conference a memorable experience.

3. Take what you learned and apply it to your writing. WRITE. RE-WRITE. SUBMIT. REPEAT.

4. FOLLOW UP! If an agent or editor requested your work, send it to them within 30 days, or even 2 weeks. The sooner the better. It’s amazing how many people don’t follow through with this step. Don’t let fear hold you back!

5. Stay connected to the writers you meet. You’re adding value to other people. Who knows your writing trials and triumphs better than other writers?

Above all else, PRAY before, during, and after the conference!

I hope these tips have fanned the flames of excitement as you prepare for an amazing 4 days! Look for me while you’re there. I’ll be the curly redhead with the big smile and the dazed look on her face. I’m kidding…sort of.

My helpful sources:

Megan DiMaria’s Writing Conference Tips

Lessons from my friend, Michele Cushatt

The Words For The Journey Blog

Preparing to attend a writer’s conference by Julie H. Ferguson
(Used with permission)

The wonderfully creative, mostly organized, and occasionally wacky brain of Niki Nowell

Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park

In two weeks I’m headed to the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies for my first ever writer’s conference.  As I prepare for that few days away from my family, I am filled with excitement and a little apprehension. My friend Kristi and I will be staying in her cabin in Estes Park, and I will know a few people at the conference, but I’m intimidated by all that I don’t know. We talked about conference preparedness at one of my writer’s groups last week, which helped, but I’m feeling a strong need to be myself even if I might do things a little differently than some of the more experienced attendees. I want to fit in and yet stick with what works for me, you know?

The 4 day conference will be filled with making friends, general sessions led by phenomenal speakers, and what I’m most excited about, attending a variety of workshops.  There are so many to choose from! I started marking off  those I’m most interested in, and quickly realized I’m totally on the non-fiction track. I think that suits me. I’m looking forward to soaking up the knowledge the speakers have to share with me.  Here are a few of the workshops I’m planning on attending: Writing Compelling True Stories (Creative Nonfiction), Writing in the Niches: How to Identify, Connect With, and Maximize Your Audience, Map to Magazine Writing, and The Literature of Personal Disaster.

So where does the apprehension come in? Being asked, “So what do you write?” and not knowing how to answer. Do I say I’m a blogger? An anthology contributor? I know what I am NOT, and I’m still figuring out what I AM. Is it a good thing to be clearly defined? It is in the writing world, and I’m not there yet. I’m hoping this conference will give me some direction and confidence about where I’m headed. I’m going to do my best to leave my expectations at home.

All the talk I’ve heard about “selling yourself” makes me nervous too. I hear this is one of the more relaxed conferences where jeans aren’t totally frowned upon, which is good since that’s what I’m most comfortable wearing. I can dress jeans up a little with a cute shirt, so I’m going to dress like me and not worry about looking “professional” this time around. I’m not planning any meetings with Agents or Editors, so no business suits, but no pink fuzzy slippers either.

“Write His Answer” is the theme this year. The website says, “If you long for your words to make a difference in the lives of your readers, if your heart’s desire is to be encouraged and equipped to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives…”  Yes! That’s me!  Please pray that God will give me His direction in how to accomplish that goal like only I can.

http://writehisanswer.com/Colorado/

By His Wounds…

Today is Resurrection Day, the day we celebrate not only an empty tomb, but a life that is full because we serve a living God. In the most simple of terms, I live because He did. Not just breath, but life that bubbles up from deep inside me. The healing taking place in my life is because of Christ and His sacrificial love for me. I’m not in it alone, and that is truly good news! I’m not wearing anything special today, there is no money for new clothes, so I’m going to come to Him like I do everyday – just as I am. And He will be pleased.

Like millions of people around the globe, I’m celebrating Easter today.  I’ll be leading worship with the band and reading Isaiah 53. As I hang out and celebrate with my Colorado family, I’ll also be thinking of you and praying you’ll feel God’s love and forgiveness today. Here is one of the songs we’ll be singing today with our church family:

And the winner is…

Congratulations Robby!

Thank you to all who participated in the drawing, and everyone who has encouraged me on my writing journey.  If you’re interested in purchasing the book or submitting your own story for the next project, click here.

Validation

I stole borrowed copied this from my friend Kevin’s blog.   While I am in total agreement with his point about this video, something else jumped out at me.  I’m astounded by our ability to change the world with one small act.  How you treat one person today can impact hundreds of others as the wave of love, compassion, and validation ripples outward.  It’s an amazing feeling when it comes back to you.  Enjoy the video.  It’s 15  minutes well spent. 

Simplifying Life & Saving Money, Part 1

I’ve lost track of how many books I’ve read on organizing, simplifying, and finding inexpensive alternatives to the way we Americans live life.  Making our home in Colorado and planting a ministry in Boulder has made me take a serious look at my wasteful habits.  This part of the country is known for recycling, being green, all-natural or organic products and living a healthier, simpler life.  Before moving here I joked about never again having to shave my legs and us selling the car to buy a bicycle built for 5.  Though neither of those things have happened, I’ve found several ways to make life easier and less expensive.

Last Fall, Benny suggested we try making our own laundry soap to save money. I was skeptical partly because of Pete’s sensitive skin, but mostly because I thought it sounded like more trouble than it was worth.  He made the first batch and now I’m a believer and sharing this recipe with everyone from my friends to the check out girl at the grocery store.  This stuff really works and it gets our clothes clean and fresh.  The best part?  It costs less than $3.00 per batch to make, and a batch yields 10 gallons.  That’s not a typo.  There are several recipes available online, but this is the one I like the best.  All of the items needed can be purchased from your local grocery store or WalMart.  I found the soap and washing soda at the grocery store.  To buy the ingredients for the first time, you’ll spend about $15.00, but you’ll have plenty left over for future batches or to share with friends.  You might even consider going in with friends to purchase some of the supplies needed.

Homemade Laundry Soap

You’ll need:  A 5 gallon bucket, 1 bar of Fels-Naptha Soap, 1 cup of Borax, 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT the same as baking soda), and hot tap water

1.  Grate the bar of soap and add to 4 cups of hot water in a saucepan.  Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

2. Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.  Add melted soap, washing soda, and Borax.  Stir well until all powder is dissolved.  Fill the bucket to the top with more hot water.  Stir, cover, and let it sit overnight to thicken.

3. Stir and fill a used, clean, hand held laundry soap bottle/dispenser half full with soap and then fill the rest of the way up with water.  Shake before each use.  (It will gel but not be completely smooth.)

*Optional: If you want a scented soap you can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons.  Add it once the soap has cooled.  Ideas: Lavender, Rosemary, tea tree oil, etc.  We keep ours plain.  Also, I still add bleach for our whites, and Oxi-clean for the kid’s grimy jeans.

Yields 10 gallons of liquid soap.  For use:

Top-loading machines: 5/8 cup per load (approximately 180 loads)

Front loading machines: 1/4 cup per load (approximately 640 loads)

The New Dryer Sheets

1. Choose your favorite fabric softener and a few regular sponges.

2. Mix 1 part fabric softener with 2 parts water in a container. (I use a ziploc jar with a screw on lid.)

3. Cut the sponges in half and put them in the container with the softener mixture.

When you need a dryer sheet, pull out a sponge and squeeze the liquid out until it doesn’t drip.  Toss it in the dryer.  After use, put it back in the container to use again.

I don’t know how long this mixture lasts, but these two recipes alone will save me over $200 per year.  I think it’s worth it.

Letters From the Waiting Room Give Away

As many of you know, I was published in an anthology by Prevail Press back in December.  Nineteen other writers and I shared stories about spending time in life’s waiting room.  Waiting isn’t something we enjoy doing, but the lessons learned, the truths embraced, and the healing and growth that can come from that time is priceless.  After all of the books I’ve given away on this blog, I’m thrilled to finally be offering one with my own name in it.

If you’d like to win a copy, please leave a comment here or send me an email telling me you’d like the book.  I’ll enter your name twice if you share a brief statement about a time you’ve spent waiting and what you took away from the experience.  On Friday, March 20th, my lovely assistant, Zoe, will draw a name out of one of her hats.  I don’t do hats. Good luck, and please help me spread the word about the give away!

If you would like to purchase the book, click here.

What’s Been Happening?

The past few weeks have been rough for our family. Our friend and neighbor, Terry, committed suicide two weeks ago.  We spent a week doing our best to hold up his wife, make phone calls for her, and attend memorial services.  It was with sadness that Benny spoke at Terry’s memorial service in the same place he had performed their wedding last April.  Please pray for Nell as she deals with this major loss.  She feels responsible though we keep telling her she’s not.    The one good thing coming from this terrible situation is that we’re getting to know Nell’s son James and his wife Cris, who are our age.  This week our friends and neighbors on the other side of us told us that they are splitting up.  They have 3 little boys ages 4 and under.  Our neighborhood is a mess.  Once again we find ourselves right where we’re supposed to be, but sometimes it’s difficult not to be discouraged. Our family has also dealt with several bouts of illness and dental issues.  Please pray for us too.

We had a group from San Antonio bless our socks off a few weeks ago.  (Which is o.k. They brought us 750 pairs of new ones.)  Read about it on the SEVENS blog when you’re finished browsing here.

I just finished reading the Harry Potter books.  I’ve seen all of the movies up to this point, but reading the books gave me the richness of the tale that I didn’t realize was missing.  As far as children’s and young adult fantasy fiction is concerned, I loved them.  Especially the themes of love, loyalty, courage, and perseverance.  Max has been asking about the movies for quite awhile now, so a few weeks ago we borrowed the DVD’s from the library and watched them.  After each one we had really good discussions about the themes, good vs. evil, who represented which side, how the characters treated each other and the adults in the story, and a whole host of other things.  We also agreed that a “room of requirement” would be quite handy to have in our house.   I know the Harry Potter series  and other fantasy books can be controversial in Christian circles.  I’m making a statement of opinion and do not wish to debate this with believers who have opposing ideas about these books.  I respectfully ask that if you want to talk about how evil they are, please do it on your own blog.

I was finally able to order a few extra copies of the anthology book my story was published in.  I’ll be holding a drawing for a chance to win a copy beginning Monday. Be sure to stop back for more details.

Speaking of writing, I attended a one day conference in Colorado Springs last Saturday.  One of the speakers, Donita K. Paul, whom I’ll be blogging about soon, challenged us with homework.  I took a story idea that’s been floating around in my head for months, and actually put the skeleton outline down on paper.  There are other stories in there too, but this one won’t leave me alone.  I guess that means I’ve officially begun writing my first novel.  I find that both exhilarating and terrifying. lol

I’m blogging on yet another blog now.  As a board member of a Colorado Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, I’m required to post on the last Friday of the month on our blog, The Inkwell.  Please come and check it out.  There are lots of great writing tips, thoughts from Colorado authors, and links to great stuff on there.  Maybe I need to require myself to post here at least once a week.  My writing friend Donna recently kicked my butt when she said if we’re going to call ourselves writers we should act like it.  Writers write.  Novel idea, huh? lol